DEFENDING champions Aberystwyth missed the chance to go to the top of the West Wales Cricket Conference when they slumped to a surprise four-wicket defeat at the hands of Lampeter yesterday.

Batting first, Aber were dismissed for a meagre 106 in 37 overs. Andy Price top scored with 31 but the star of the Lampeter bowling attack was Jason Thomas who did most of the damage, taking 5-25. Oliver Roberts weighed in with 2-14.

Lampeter, who were unable to field a team last weekend and gave league leaders UWA Commoners a walkover, reached the target for the loss of six wickets in 27 overs.

Man of the match Jason Thomas was again in outstanding form with the bat, scoring 56. Patrick Daniels took 2-23 and Jake Carvell 2-25.

This defeat means that the Commoners, who play at Dolgellau today, are sitting at the top of the table.

In the only other match to survive the weather Aberaeron overwhelmed struggling basement boys Tywyn and District by 185 runs.

They batted first and hit 264-6 with major contributions by both Wyn John, who was undefeated on 107, and Hywel Rees who made 61.

Tywyn were skittled out for just 79, with Rees taking 2-9 and Paul Hughes 1-11.

Nathan Bennett also played his part capturing 2-34.

Llandovery’s match against Talybont was called off because of the wet conditions, as was the scheduled clash between Tregaron and Aberystwyth 2nds.

l Pontllanfraith went in first but were dismissed for only 78 by visiting Caerphilly and Bedwas in their Welsh Club Conference Division Three Second XI match, one of the few games played in the league.